Update, May 2018.

So, finally I have decided on my 2018 challenge to mark the 10 year anniversary of Nathan's death. This year, fittingly in November, I shall take part in the Bangkok Marathon. 

It is worth pointing out that by no means do I enjoy running and the furthest I have ran in my lifetime is 20km. Since my wife and I had our son I have not ran further than 5km, so I really need to get some training in. 

I know Nathan will be with me every step of the way and for a lot of it trying to make things a little more difficult but pushing me over the finish line eventually. 

Almost 10 years on and still not forgotten. 

#Hancock9RIP

#42195mforNafe

Update, September 2017.

Hey guys, apologies for the lack of updates but finding time to write about what I have been up to between getting married, work and expecting our first child in December has been a tough. 

I completed another physical challenge this month in the Spartan Race, it was pretty tough at points but really good fun. I have signed up for a 13km next May and aim to get a much more competitive time by improving my upper body strength and distance running.

On the subject of distance running I have foolishly decided to take a small part in an incredible challenge a friend of mine is completing. Chris Maynard, will be running 900km in 2 weeks from the North of Thailand to Hua Hin in the memory of His Majesty, the Late 9th King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. Chris has allowed me to piggy back off this and raise money again in Memory of Nathan. 

I will be taking part in at least one leg, a minimum of 30km which is double the longest distance I have previously ran. 

I am looking for all of you to support me in sharing my next challenge and also doing what you can to help raise more money in memory of Nathan. 

It is going to be a lifelong project to keep raising money for Anthony Nolan and keeping the legend that is Nathan Hancock well and truly alive. 

Final words, next year marks the 10 year anniversary since we lost Nathan, a group of us are planning something big so watch this space. 

Peace! #Hancock9RIP

Update, November 2016. 

So guys, another year has passed and Nathan's legacy continues. After last years climb I decided I needed another challenge, I have been quiet with advertising out of sheer fear of failure. I decided to take part in the Laguna Phuket International Triahtlon. It involves a 1.8km swim (in the sea), a 50km bike ride (up hills) and a 12km run (does not matter where that is, its bloody tough).

Given that I have not swam in years, crashed last time I rode a bike and hate running it was quite a challenge to sign up to. 

, with only a few weeks to go until the triathlon I started to panic and realised just how silly I was to sign up for the event. However, with Nathan always on my mind I committed  and threw myself into last minute training. I believed that I could somehow blag it and was committed to doing so. 

The morning before the triahtlon I felt sick, had a headache and was seriously considering backing out. However, I grew a pair and at 5am made my way to transition area to get my number marked and jump on the boat to the start point. 

Thankfully, one day on from the triathlon I can happily say I did what I set out to do and complete the triathlon. I actually surpassed my own expectations and finished in a good time. 

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read Nathan's and my story and hope that you can all can take the time to give a little to such an amazing cause.

A big shout out goes to Eddy my triathlon buddy and Will for his awesome swimming tips. Thanks guys, I could not have done it without you.

The below is the post from last years Kilimanjaro challenge.

Hey everyone, first of all let me thank you for taking the time to view my page. I hope by doing this I can raise awareness of a very valuable charity as well as raising money and continuing the legacy of one of my closest friends. 

Almost seven years ago the lives of many of us were turned completely upside down. The one and only Nathan Hancock lost his battle to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I have to admit before Nathan was diagnosed I had never heard of the disease, since then though I seem to notice it everywhere I go. My aim for this page is to raise awareness and more importantly valuable funds that could save one of our lives in the future. I am sure I speak for all of those that knew Nathan when saying probably the most memorable features of him was his smile and love for life. I struggle to remember a time when he wasn't smiling and his cheeky grin certainly managed to get him out of some sticky situations, just ask his mum. 

Nathan's zest for life was infectious and even as I write this through the pain and heartache we have all felt I am ultimately left with a smile on my face. 

Just after Nathan passed away a group of us discussed ideas of raising money in his name. One of the most outrageous ideas was climbing Kilimanjaro. I guess as time past and people relocated the idea was gradually put on the back burner. At the end of the day, could we really do it? I am sure Nathan had a little chuckle as we sat and discussed over a pint. 

Finally, after seven years of procrastination I am taking the plunge (or the climb). Given that I struggle to climb the stairs in my apartment I truly think this is going to be quite a challenge. At the end of the day this is the least I can do for a charity that gave all they could to Nathan and also to continue his legacy. 

I know Nathan will be on my side throughout the climb and I am sure he will get great joy out of watching my struggle. Knowing him he will probably be weighing my backpack down somehow.

The prospect of an 8 day climb to reach almost 6,000m is daunting. This is before I even consider the temperature range of -25 to +35 degrees, potential snow, thunderstorms, 12 hours climbs and oh wait, altitude sickness. Even after all this I am still left with the same thoughts, this is nothing compared to what Nathan endured. If I can summon even only 10% of the strength he showed then I know I will succeed. 

Even after 7 years I struggle to put into words how I feel. Its difficult to firstly do you justice in a few simple words but impossible to explain how much you are missed. As we all know 'There is only one Nathan Hancock'.  A beloved son, brother, fiancee, uncle and friend. Never forgotten bro.xx

Not only do we need your money but I also urge all of you to join the bone marrow register. Your money will go a long way but without donors then your money does not go as far. It costs £100 for each new donor to be added to the register. Statistically every 20 minutes someone is diagnosed with blood cancer so this is something that will not just go away without our support. 

For more information of the great work the charity does then please visit http://www.anthonynolan.org.